thinkbroadband

Virgin, Vodafone and Everything Everywhere shun new Open Internet COP
Wednesday 25 July 2012 11:17:16 by
John Hunt

Three of the largest communications providers have not signed up to a new
code of practice to support the Open Internet. The new voluntary code, set
forth by the Broadband Stakeholder Group has had ten signatories including the
largest broadband providers in the UK, but Virgin Media, Vodafone and
Everything Everywhere have opted not to sign.

There should be no discrimination against content providers on the basis of
commercial rivalry

Traffic management policies should be clear and transparent

These principles should help ensure that the country maintains
net-neutrality, and avoids any negative discrimination against another
companies traffic or services. It also posts some restrictions - providers
cannot use the term "Internet Access" to describe their products where some
classes of legal content or applications are blocked or unavailable. This is
expanded to state that products must support full internet access giving a
consumer access to any content, applications or services that are available on
the Internet. This was the reason that Vodafone opted out of the code stating
that it was "impractical".

"These plans offer internet access to smartphone and dongle users, but under
the code we would have been unable to use the phrase 'internet access' to
describe many of the services enjoyed by customers."

Vodafone Spokesman

Mobile networks have traditionally taken a harsh stance on Voice over IP
(VoIP) services such as Skype which allow free calls between users and can
easily erode a providers revenue. Blocking these services on mobile networks is
common across Europe and Vodafone's policy is to charge extra (£15 per month)
to give access to VoIP services. This would clearly be against the Open
Internet policies defined in this code and would be one thing that is stopping
them from signing up. Virgin Media instead thought that the policy was too
vague and could lead to misinterpretation and it would seek greater clarity
before it would consider signing.

"This voluntary agreement is great news for consumers. It marks a
significant commitment from the leading ISPs to uphold the principles of an
open internet and gives certainty to their customers. The internet has been
built on openness and low barriers to entry, and this agreement will ensure
that continues. By committing to transparency, these ISPs are empowering their
customers to make informed decisions about the services they want."

Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and the Creative
Industries

Comments

Posted by
herdwick over 4 years ago
Vodafone (and other mobile nets) have an age related content filter, so they would indeed not be able to call in internet access as the code requires that "users should be able to access all legal content".

Posted by
Joppy over 4 years ago
Makes you wonder why VM pulled out due to those 3 simple points. Maybe it is time the government or ofcom stepped in and forced them to comply instead of it being a voluntary code of practise.

Although I am sure ofcom is in VM's back pocket...

Posted by
john ( staff member)
over 4 years ago
@herdwick - It could be related. TalkTalk have a content filter also. Maybe if you can opt out then it's still fine to market it as such.. (although you can do that with Voda if over 18)

Posted by
throwaway over 4 years ago
- Users should be able to access all "legal content"

Internet policing still around as always, surprisingly even call "Open" practice. So anything deemed illegal by RIAA/MPAA/etc...

Posted by
Michael_Chare over 4 years ago
I know that T-Mobile block VOIP calls, (as per their T&Cs)and one can understand why, but do O2 permit them?

Posted by
leexgx over 4 years ago
not had an issue with skype on O2 (ok giffgaff but should be the same thing as they use there system that Injects disconnect packets if the DPI thinks its bad)

nothing an VPN fixs anyway (on my t-mobile sim youtube was unusable unless i turned on the VPN as it was not streaming fast enough, with VPN on i was getting 4-6mb speeds)

Posted by
otester over 4 years ago
My experience (may be more limits with T-Mobile like P2P throttling)...